The political operative allegedly behind One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club protest has been banned from the Canberra institution and the group he works for billed for any damage the stunt caused.
A remote-activated banner unfurled as Senator Hanson addressed the club last month.
It read: “I opposed a pay rise for workers while I took a $100,000 pay rise for myself.”
Progressive political activist group GetUp! claimed responsibility.
Its campaign chief, former journalist David Sharaz, was present at the time and left soon after the incident, which sparked both Australian Federal Police and ACT Policing investigations.
GetUp! campaign chief David Sharaz has been banned from the National Press Club. Picture: Martin Ollman / NewsWire
National Press Club chief executive Maurice Reilly could not speak to where the investigation stood with Mr Sharaz but said he was “aware of interviews … with club personnel” and the “investigation is continuing”.
Mr Reilly also confirmed Mr Sharaz’s membership application “has been declined”.
“He is not welcome at the club in the future,” he said.
Newswire understands no formal decision has been communicated to either GetUp or Mr Sharaz regarding the membership.
The Australian Federal Police is investigating the protest. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Mr Reilly did not rule out pursuing GetUp! for damages caused to the media wall and light box.
“We will consider our legal position when the outcome of the AFP investigation is completed,” Mr Reilly said.
“Quotations for the damage are still being sourced.”
Neither Mr Sharaz nor any others allegedly involved have been charged.
ACT Policing said investigations were continuing.